Las Vegas, NV — July 6–13, 2025 Written by Lauren Jones

Freedom Week 2025 marked a defining moment for Nevada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Led by veteran and ecosystem builder Dave Burlin, the week brought together veterans, business leaders, and community partners in a statewide observance dedicated to honoring and empowering veteran entrepreneurs.

Through proclamations, storytelling, and strategic collaboration, Freedom Week provided a space for visibility, connection, and resource access, building momentum for a more inclusive economy anchored in service and leadership.

Elevating Veteran Entrepreneurship

Freedom Week launched with official proclamations from the State of Nevada and participating cities, affirming veteran entrepreneurship as a statewide priority. Events throughout the week underscored the importance of economic mobility for veterans and positioned Nevada as a national leader in veteran-centered innovation.

The debut of the Veteran Entrepreneur Library created a dedicated hub of educational and entrepreneurial resources. This hybrid model—both digital and physical—offers long-term access to tools and mentorship opportunities designed specifically for veterans building or growing businesses.

VET Talks 2025

A central feature of the week was VET Talks, a live storytelling event highlighting the voices and visions of Nevada’s veteran entrepreneurs. Each speaker shared their journey in eight minutes using eight slides, delivering deeply personal accounts of transition, purpose, and transformation.

VET Talks served as a space for community engagement, cultural shift, and peer-to-peer learning. The stories reflected a broad range of sectors, experiences, and aspirations, emphasizing the depth and diversity of Nevada’s veteran business community.

Ecosystem Activation

Freedom Week catalyzed cross-sector collaboration. Partners across government, nonprofit, education, and private sectors worked together to deliver programming that met veterans where they are. Workshops, networking sessions, and panel discussions focused on topics such as capital access, leadership development, and strategic growth.

Community venues including Nevada Partners and The Leatherneck Club hosted signature events, creating localized environments of support while advancing statewide impact.

Legacy and Next Steps

Freedom Week 2025 reaffirmed Nevada’s commitment to building infrastructure that sustains veteran entrepreneurship beyond symbolic observance. With the continued development of the Veteran Entrepreneur Library, expansion of VET Talks, and deeper public-private collaboration, the foundation has been laid for a model that can scale nationally.

Nevada’s leadership during Freedom Week reflects a broader commitment to transforming how communities support those who served—not only by honoring their past, but by investing in their future.